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Marvel Journey of Heroes

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Marvel will celebrate the 80th-year milestone of Marvel Comics this year with a free exhibition of iconic superhero artwork at Melbourne Central next to the iconic Shot Tower.

The exhibition will honour the iconic characters and stories across every decade of Marvel’s rich history, from the early years as Timely Comics, to the latest adventures in the Marvel Universe fans know today.

Launching as a small comic book brand (called Timely Comics) in 1939 with the publication of issue #1 that included the first-ever appearance of the Human Torch, the growth in popularity of Marvel Comics flourished under the guidance of legends such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Romita, Don Heck and countless other industry titans.

Marvel Comics and the Marvel brand is now one of the most exciting and recognisable brands shaping pop culture, modern mythology and entertainment around the world.

New York Times best-selling comic book author Tom Taylor is the official spokesperson for the exhibition. Taylor’s pedigree in comics makes him perfectly positioned to talk to the relevance and impact of Marvel’s comics in Australian culture, having written Spider-Man, X-Men, Wolverine, Iron Man and Star Wars comics.

“This celebration is a huge milestone not only for Marvel but also the comic book industry as a whole. Marvel’s impact on pop culture throughout the years – spanning comics, gaming, toys, TV and lifestyle – is a global phenomenon,” Mr Taylor said.

“The characters brought to life in these comics are household names in Australia and the world, and it’s exciting that we get to take a step back, explore its history and honour the comics that started it all.”

The exhibition will touch on each decade of Marvel’s 80-year history, with original artwork on display, created by a range of local artists including Patrick Brown, Jon Sommariva, David Yardin, Ben Templesmith and Wayne Nichols.

Marvel: Journey of Heroes is located behind the Shot Tower of Melbourne Central from July 5 until September 29 2019.

6th annual Hot Dog Eating Competition

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 If you think you can stomach this gutsy competition–presented by Cleaver’s Organic Beef Hot Dogs –grab your friends and get ready to indulge in all things hot-diggety-hotdog at Luna Park  on Saturday 20 July from 11am. 

 If you are just a spectator of this crazy hot dog gobbling action, make sure to take advantage of the Hot Dog Special Offer of 3 rides + 1 Cleaver’s Organic Beef Hot Dog for just $27.50. These special tickets can be pre-purchased online, or at the ticket box on the day. 

We are also so lucky to have Billy Boyd, founder of Competitive Eating Australia, as our MC for the day working the crowd into a pre-kick-off frenzy for both the men’s and women’s eating competitions encouraging spectators to choose their favourite ‘chompetitor’ and cheer them on as they battle it out. 

The ‘weiners’ announced and crowned ‘2019 Hot Dog Eating Champions’ by Billy will not only bask in the glory of eating the most hotdogs in 10 minutes, they will also each be taking home a prize of $400 cash, a Top Dog Trophy, plus an Annual Pass to Luna Park. Our runners-up will receive $250 cash and a Luna Park Annual Pass. 

Throughout the day everyone will have the chance to enjoy rib-tickling roving entertainment, and a dance with our Hot Dog Mascot and friends as well as their share of spinning and squealing on our rides and attractions. Competitors and spectators alike can dance their buns off to LIVE performances of rock ‘n’ roll music from the 50s, 60s and 70s during the afternoon. So come on down to Luna Park for Hot Dog Day this year–it’s the biggest and sauciest of its kind in Australia. And while the competition for a place in the Men’s event is fierce, Luna Park is still seeking women competitors who can ‘down a dog or three’. So if you’re up for the challenge head to http://www.lunapark.com.au/event/hot-dog-day/, there you’ll find the registration form and all event details. 

OPENING HOURS FOR THE PARK AND HOT DOG COMPETITION PARK ENTRY ONLY – $5 (3 years and under are admitted free) Your entry fee helps preserve heritage attractions & is deductible from purchase of any ride ticket. 
RIDES AND PARK ENTRY – SPECIAL HOT DOG DAY TICKET – $27.50 FOR 3 X RIDES AND A CLEAVER’S ORGANIC BEEF HOT DOG. 
Age  Single Ride Ticket  Unlimited Ride Ticket 
13+ Years  $10.95  $49.95 
4 – 12 Years  $9.95  $39.95 
3 Years and under  $4.95  $17.50 
UNLIMITED RIDES FAMILY PASS $149.95 Two guests 13 years and over + two guests 4 – 12 years, OR One guest 13 years and over + three guests 4 – 12 years Up to three additional ride tickets may be purchased with a family pass at 15% off full price. 
ANNUAL PASS $110 A whole year of fun for guests of any age (excludes special events). 

Two on the Night Train

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We’re on the train to nowhere “Two strangers wake up on a mysterious train one morning. They have no idea how they got there, no sense of their ultimate destination, and can only tell one thing for sure – day is turning  to night, and the train is not stopping.”

The description sounds like a metaphor for life,  and Two on the Night Train is just that. A play about nothing, but yet also so much at the same time.

Two-person cast Katherine Pearson and Frazer Lee lead a never-ending train journey, time and time again switching and changing situations and possibilities as each part of the story runs parallel with the other. The ‘who’ and the ‘where’ remaining steadfastly consistent, yet the ‘why’ never seeming to become clear to either. They are tortured in by the notion that simply ‘existing,’ being neither good nor bad, travelling closer to, other further away from one’s final destination, being uncertain, vague and not knowing what you want, who you are or what your purpose is, is in fact their reality – and at first, seems outside of their control. Their nothingness seems as if controlled by a higher power that they are never able to see, or therefore prove its existence implying by the end of play that they are in fact in control of their lives and how they wish to progress, if they could just exit the train going nowhere.

Simplified props begin to appear as the journey continues, metaphors for life. A book. A bag. Empty. Then full. Then only containing what one needs at the time including light in the darkness or hope in uncertain times.

Throughout the productions’ existential approach, other themes are interwoven like depression and the validity of humanity’s approach to using age as markers and milestones for where someone should be at a certain point in their lives. The question of is it ok if they are not, or that they are taking a different journey and have different ways and means to life is a clear theme.

Director Martin Quinn, described as inspired by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett. There are clear similarities to his style of storytelling such as the use of a highly simplified setting to get a message across, and repetition in how each parallel-running part of the narrative is the same, but different over and over.

A complex intellectual and heavy piece which requires reflection.

Two on the Night Train is part of the Gasworks Premiere program supporting independent Melbourne-based creatives and is produced by Glassbreaker Productions.

Where: Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham St., Albert Park Melbourne
When: 8pm until 22 June (no Sun / Mon / Tues performances)
More information / tickets: Check out their website

Nocturnal

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Following a string of successful past events, I was excited to attend the Melbourne Museum’s monthly live music event, Nocturnal.This month, as is fitting for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Nocturnalput on an all jazz setlist.

Entering the spacious atrium, my friends and I found the occasion to be in full-swing. Melodic echoes of beat boxing and vocal reproductions rang out as we wove through the colourful crowd. As with the previous events, there was a whimsical array of lights projected onto the ceiling and bouncing off every shined surface.

What impressed me wasn’t merely the talent of the acts but also their adaptability. The entrance of the Melbourne Museum is (undeniably) a peculiar space for live music, with its mezzanine floor, and glassy, modern architecture. However, the performers and sound crew seemed to have made a deliberate effort to play to the venue, and they pulled it off spectacularly. There were no acoustic knockbacks or audio mishaps, but instead a chorus of perfected sound and colour bringing another unique set of experiences to life.

One moment the room was drowned in a web of reverberating notes, the next sturdy brass beats took centre stage. The bounce shook a great deal of people into dance. My friends found that a good indicator of the musical quality was that even the bouncers seemed to want to break loose and dance, swaying as they stood on guard.

Still, it was the little moments that made the event the most memorable: Tanya George giving the audience a spontaneous improv lesson, the eye-catching pop-up displays, and the zany artefacts (like an old, portable record player that could fit in your pocket!)

As previously, the cherry-on-top was the nightlife atmosphere. Experiencing exhibits with some mulled-wine or a cocktail in hand added a new and wonderful dimension to them. Learning what all that drink I just had was doing inside me while stroking a wall with a thousand rubber tendrils was quite surreal in the surprisingly fun Gut Feelingsexhibit.

And, without losing momentum, Nocturnalwill be bringing more unique events. If you’re looking for an occasion that blends together two stellar attractions into one unmissable experience, make sure to catch one of Melbourne Museum’s upcoming Nocturnal events:

  • Nocturnal: Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2019. (Friday, 5thJuly)

Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with exhibitions showcasing their past and performances displaying their present.

  • Nocturnal does White Night. (Friday, 23rdAugust)

For the first time ever Nocturnal will be running on White Night, combining two eye-dazzling events.

  • Revolutions: Records and Rebels. (Until the 25th of August).

If you want even more information for your mind to chew on you can also go to the incredible Revolutions exhibit. It’s run during regular opening hours and in addition to Nocturnalevents.

Arts/reviews

When: 5thJuly and 23rdAugust

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

More information: Here

WHEN THE LIGHT LEAVES

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All I knew about When The Light Leaves before seeing it was that it was a play, based on a true story, about euthanasia. Specifically, it’s a story put on by Citizen Theatre with the release coinciding with the implementation of Victoria’s new Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws set to come into effect on June 19. The story is fictional but based on the real experiences of playwright Rory Godbold. Godbold’s father publicly acquired Nembutal, the drug used to euthanise pets and animals, before dying in 2015.
Arriving at La Mama Courthouse, I sat in the quaint waiting area before the doors opened and the patrons migrated into the theatre. What was immediately noticeable was that every prop was suspended in the air. Apples, books and lights hung as though in space. A sense of distance from reality took hold before the play even began.
As the play started, I saw the props used to great effect despite never touching the ground. Telephone calls, gift exchanges and arguments were expressed beautifully as they swung like pendulums from actor to actor.
As the story unfolded, one word kept coming to mind: poignant. I am a strong believer that everything has its time and place. Horror stories should be scary. Action stories should make your heart thump. This was a sad story, one that sought to capture the anguish and trauma of death and loss. And it did so brilliantly.
The fact that the story was based upon real experiences was evident. Emotionally, it touched the heart in a personal way. Everyone has had an experience with death or has known someone who’s died. To deliver such a sorrowful message in a way that wasn’t melodramatic, cheesy, or squeamish is the primary accomplishment of this production.
If you want a story that captures the silver linings and grim shadows of life and death in earnest, this is the play to see.
Crushingly brilliant.

Where: La Mama Courthouse, 345 Drummond Street, Carlton
When: 12-23 June 2019
Time: Wednesday 6:30pm, Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sunday 4pm – Wednesday 19 June: optional Q&A after performance – Friday 21 June: AUSLAN interpreted performance
More Information and tickets: here

Travesties

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The word ‘travesties’ – meaning false, absurd or distorted representations of somethings – is a concerning name for a theatrical production. Knowing little about the play and its themes, I showed up to opening night hopeful that a degree in history wouldn’t be required to understand it.

The immersion began as soon as I entered the theatre; the set had been arranged so that I had to walk through the furniture and props to get to my seat. This was a pleasant stunt. However, what was truly impressive was the cast. The actors were already on scene and embodying their characters, equipped with fastidiously picked costumes and props. Patrons were left to walk amongst the cast while getting drinks and finding seats.

The moment the play began, I found myself in a state of utter confusion. Hit with a flurry of dialects and thick accents, I couldn’t understand the characters much. Thankfully, after a few moments everything became clear and made sense.

The story was told through flashes of memory as the main character wrote memoirs detailing his time in Zurich when he was young. The big names he encountered and the zany things they got up to form the meat of the story. We met Henry Carr (British consular official in Zurich), James Joyce (Irish writer in the midst of writing his masterpiece, Ulysses), Vladimir Lenin (Russian revolutionary leader and Bolshevik), Tristan Tzara (a central figure in the artistic movement known as Dada), and more.

One by one, the characters met, all of them gripped by grand ideologies that compelled them to butt heads with one another. A whirlwind of debate unfolded, grappling with topics such as patriotism, politics, war, art, nature and religion. Pondering such heavy subjects for two hours might have grown dull, had the experience not been packed with so many laugh-out-loud moments and spectacular stunts.

Travestiesis an apt name for the story, although the production was far from one itself. Put on by Bloomsday in Melbourne, the play boasted every aspect of a master production: actors worthy of packed stalls, a unique set and atmosphere, and pin-point accurate timing in music and lighting effects.

Fans of philosophical debate, humour, and Joyce should act fast. Don’t miss the limited chance to catch Bloomsday’s brilliant production.

Where: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders lane
When: 12-23 June 2019
Times: Tue-Sat 7:30pm, Sunday 16/06 & 23/06 3pm, Sunday 16/06 June 7.30pm.
More information and tickets: Here

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TWICE THIS YEAR

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FANCY CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS TWICE THIS YEAR? WELL LUNA PARK WILL MAKE SNOWY DREAMS COME TRUE WITH A HO, HO, HO WHOLE LOT OF CHRISTMAS CHEER THESE JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS! 

Santa is still guaranteed to be in the Luna Park’s house again this winter school holidays. So wrap-up warm and head to Luna Park from 29 June to 14 July  and enter the magical Christmas Wonderland.

 Walk through iconic Mr Moon and feel the merriment all around with magical lights, festive decorations galore and of course our beautiful and gigantic Christmas tree. Play amongst the hourly snowfalls and feel that huge rush of excitement that only Christmas can bring, but so much sooner that you ever thought!

Santa’s Elves are also coming over and will be very busy sharing yummy Christmas bells from Chocolatier with all the good boys and girls. At 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the elves will be gathering all the kids around for Santa’s special ‘Storytelling Sessions’ to hear what he gets up to when it’s not Christmas time!

Also make sure to check out our Italian-born ride, Speedy Beetle’s new and permanent home in the Park, as well as our sweet Betty Choo Choo mini train and our mini Ferris Wheel ride, Moon Balloons also from Italy. These park attractions plus many more will be ready and waiting to give the children a very joyful twirl of their lives. 

Oh yes, you’ll be hearing jingle bells not once this year, but twice at Luna Park. From Saturday 29 June, the Park’s white Christmas haven will be open to dash through and explore every day of the school holidays from 11am.

Santa’s Storytelling Session will take place weekends of 29/30 June, 6/7 July and 13/14 July in-line with snowfalls at: 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Visit us here  for opening hours and ticket prices. 

WIN 1 x double pass for Halliday Sip Series

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***COMPETITION TIME***

After a two successful Sip Series, Halliday Wine Companion are again bringing their wine expertise to the wine loving public with the next event being a ‘Sip Series: Spotlight on Cellaring’, which will focus on how to create and curate a wine cellar for both novices and full-blown aficionados alike.

Here is your chance to win a double pass to the Halliday Sip Series: Spotlight on Cellaring valued at $199.90

How to enter:

1-Share this post.

2-Like and follow us on social media

3-Tag a friend who you’d like to share the experience with down in the comment section

4-Competition closes on 10th June 2019

*For more chances to win, fill out the form below.

The event is held on June 13th between 6.30-9.30 PM at Mercedes me and attendees will have the opportunity to meet winemakers, taste exceptional wines and enjoy free-flowing canapes from St Ali.

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WIN 1 x double pass for COME FROM AWAY: the remarkable true story.

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***COMPETITION TIME***

WIN 1 x double pass for COME FROM AWAY: the remarkable true story.

COME FROM AWAY has won numerous awards including the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Mus(New York) including Outstanding New Broadway Musical. On top of this, the musical has received three Drama Desk Awards (New York) including Outstanding Musical, four Helen Hayes Awards (Washington, D.C) including Outstanding Production of a Musical, four Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including Excellence in Production of a Musical and six San Diego Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding New Musical.

Here is your chance to win 1 x double pass for COME FROM AWAY: the remarkable true story.
How to enter: 1-Share this post. 2-Like and follow us on social media 3-Tag a friend who you’d like to share the experience with down in the comment section 4-Competition closes on 17th June 2019.

*Get a bigger chance to win by sharing the post or filling out the form on http://bit.ly/COMEFROMAWAY. (Remember to have your profile public so we can see the share!).

 

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WIN 1 x double pass for TWO ON THE NIGHT TRAIN

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***COMPETITION NOW CLOSED***TWO ON THE NIGHT TRAIN Gasworks 13 – 23 June @8pm Win x1 double passes for 14 June. 

Two strangers wake up on a mysterious train one morning. They have no idea how they got there, no sense of their ultimate destination, and can only tell one thing for sure – day is turning to night, and the train is not stopping.
Here is your chance to win 1 x double pass for TWO ON THE NIGHT TRAINHow to enter: 1-Share this post. 2-Like and follow us on social media 3-Tag a friend who you’d like to share the experience with down in the comment section 4-Competition closes on 7th June 2019 *Get a bigger chance to win by sharing the post or filling out the form on  (Remember to have your profile public so we can see the share!).

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